Golden Flash

"Huh? What is this."

Uchiha Kei stared blankly at the scene before him. If it weren't for the stinging fist wind still scraping his face painfully, and the small notch on Imai Kenta's chest, he would have thought he'd fallen under a Genjutsu!

Uchiha Kei was a bit dazed now, but he quickly seemed to realize something – it was highly likely Namikaze Minato had arrived!

Because only Namikaze Minato's speed was so fast he was almost invisible, only Namikaze Minato could instantly move someone completely through space!

As expected, a loud noise suddenly erupted from the Woods about dozens of meters away from Uchiha Kei.

The splashing dust, which rose several meters high, told Uchiha Kei that this was likely Kitsuchi's punch that was about to land on him!

Thinking of this, Uchiha Kei couldn't help but shiver. If that punch had landed on him, there was no doubt he would now be a pile of Mud.

However, Uchiha Kei finally breathed a sigh of relief. That feeling of being completely cornered had truly broken Uchiha Kei's spirit; he couldn't even maintain his Sharingan now.

"If I had known he would come so late, I should have summoned him immediately. A miscalculation," Uchiha Kei muttered softly as he slumped to the ground, feeling safe.

"Sorry, I'm late." But just then, a voice sounded behind Uchiha Kei, a voice that put Uchiha Kei completely at ease.

The owner of this voice was Namikaze Minato, but his voice also sounded very serious: "Because I encountered some things, causing you all such great trouble, I didn't expect Kitsuchi to be here either."

"At least you're here. Kakashi might not make it, and Hyuga Aya's condition is also very bad." Uchiha Kei forced himself to sit up, taking out a Ration Pill at the same time.

Although Uchiha Kei had always disliked eating these things, he had no better choice at this moment.

While chewing the dry Ration Pill, Uchiha Kei quickly recovered his Chakra, even if it was just a little.

At least enough to allow him to move normally. As for fighting, Uchiha Kei no longer had any expectations, nor did he feel there was anything left for him to fight.

With Namikaze Minato here, Uchiha Kei could just stay on the sidelines and watch.

Namikaze Minato also took the opportunity to quickly check Kakashi's condition, but when he returned, his expression wasn't very good.

"Can you move?" Namikaze Minato asked with a serious expression. "We need to leave quickly, head to the rear, and find a place to rest properly."

"I should be able to." Uchiha Kei stood up somewhat unsteadily. This was truly a test of willpower now.

"Very good. I'll take Kakashi. Kei-kun, you take your teammate." Namikaze Minato directly ordered, "Chunin Imai, is that right? Please protect Rin. You might be the only one still capable of doing so. We need to move fast; the enemy's Support is arriving."

Uchiha Kei's face darkened at the first sentence. Have him, who was so depleted, take Hyuga Aya?

Wasn't that a joke?

But Namikaze Minato's next sentence made Uchiha Kei shut up obediently. Indeed, as the only Medical Ninja, she needed someone with a certain combat ability to protect her.

Moreover, Kakashi was so badly injured he looked like he wouldn't survive; he naturally needed more protection. To prevent the enemy from suddenly appearing, this task could only be handled by Namikaze Minato himself.

Glancing at Chunin Imai, who once again wore a harmless smile and was obediently carrying the still unconscious but not severely injured Nohara Rin on his back, Uchiha Kei sighed and picked up Hyuga Aya as well.

Uchiha Kei had no intention of reporting Imai Kenta's "one minute" remark. For someone like him, it was already more than enough.

Although he was primarily considering himself, the fact that Imai Kenta had saved Uchiha Kei at the most critical moment meant Uchiha Kei wouldn't sell him out this time.

A debt of gratitude must be repaid, regardless of whether the other party acknowledged it.

Of course, Uchiha Kei also had similar thoughts himself, but he lacked the ability to act on them later. Therefore, he didn't want to cause any more trouble.

Glancing back at Hyuga Aya, who was still conscious despite her weakness, Uchiha Kei couldn't help but marvel at the woman's strong will.

After some thought, Uchiha Kei decided to give her a Ration Pill. Whether it would be effective was no longer his concern.

"Don't expect me to thank you," Hyuga Aya's eyes remained cold. "You were just trying to save yourself."

"Yes, I was trying to save myself. But at least I took down three Iwa Ninja, while you can only lie on my back," Uchiha Kei revealed a mocking smile. "Ah, I suppose it makes sense. Your Hyuga Clan has always been responsible for reconnaissance and cleaning up battlefields. It must be difficult for you to fight."

"You..." Hyuga Aya's previously cold eyes finally showed some fluctuation. "Perhaps. As expected of an Uchiha. You took down three Iwa Ninja by yourself, and they weren't ordinary guys. You even fought the Third Tsuchikage's son for so long. I imagine you'll be promoted rapidly when you return?"

"Perhaps," Uchiha Kei shrugged. "That's why I'm your captain. It looks like you won't die, so just honestly be my subordinate for the rest of your life, Aya."

Perhaps it was the relaxation, the absence of the pressure of life and death.

Or perhaps the experience had been too terrifying, and Uchiha Kei was willing to talk more to vent his emotions.

Seeing Hyuga Aya fall silent under Uchiha Kei's words, with a hint of anger appearing on her pale face, Uchiha Kei felt incredibly comfortable.

However, he didn't notice the woman suddenly reveal a strange smile.

The battle was over, but Uchiha Kei dared not relax too much, knowing there was still a large group of Iwa Ninja behind them.

Perhaps the Ration Pill was starting to take effect. Uchiha Kei's Chakra began to recover slightly. Although it was still not enough for combat, it was enough for him to run faster while carrying Hyuga Aya.

Meanwhile, Kitsuchi sat up from the ground, looking at the Kunai embedded in his Left Shoulder. He took a deep breath.

If he hadn't reacted quickly enough and made some Evasive Actions at the most dangerous moment, this Kunai would have likely pierced his heart.

"Golden Flash, Namikaze Minato?" Kitsuchi's voice was weak. He didn't dare to pull out the Kunai, as doing so would cause him to lose more blood!

But he firmly remembered the name Namikaze Minato, and that Imp from the Uchiha Clan whose name he didn't even know.